Vonn confirmed Sunday night that she and Thomas Vonn have started divorce proceedings. Her husband also serves as her chief adviser.

“This is an extremely difficult time in my personal life and I hope the media and my fans can respect my need for privacy on this matter,” Lindsey Vonn said in a statement provided to The Associated Press.

Vonn elected to skip the season-opening World Cup slalom race Sunday to rest a sore back she recently tweaked in training. She plans to return to the slopes Tuesday for a downhill training run in Lake Louise, Alberta, the site of the next competition.

Thomas Vonn said in an email to The AP that he filed for divorce last Monday.